Logan Gilbert, the Seattle Mariners' right-hander, brought back a familiar weapon to his arsenal on opening day, and it’s already turning heads. After shelving his cutter last season, Gilbert reintroduced it against the Guardians, making it a significant part of his pitching strategy.
During the game, Gilbert threw his cutter 18 times out of 86 pitches, marking a noticeable increase from its 10.5% usage during his standout 2024 season. This move wasn’t just a minor tweak; it was a calculated decision to enhance his game.
Mariners insider Shannon Drayer shared insights on this development, highlighting that while the team’s spring training focus was on refining existing skills, Gilbert went a step further by reintroducing the cutter. Known for his willingness to tinker, Gilbert surprised many by how frequently he used the pitch right from the start, employing it as a first pitch and even as a strikeout tool.
All 18 cutters were aimed at left-handed hitters, and while one led to a two-run double by Guardians switch-hitter Brayan Rocchio, the rest were effective in keeping batters at bay. Drayer noted that this determination signals Gilbert’s commitment to making the cutter a key part of his repertoire this season.
Back in 2024, Gilbert’s cutter was more of a strategic tool to disrupt hitters’ timing against his four-seam fastball. It also serves as a substitute for the two-seamer, which doesn’t complement his arm angle and pitch movement as effectively. The cutter, when paired with his fastball, can mimic the two-seamer’s benefits, potentially leading to more efficient outings.
Last season, Gilbert achieved a career-best strikeout rate of 32.3%, the second-highest among starters with at least 130 innings. However, this came at the cost of longer at-bats and fewer deep-game appearances compared to his league-leading 208 2/3 innings in 2024.
By integrating the cutter more, Gilbert aims to induce quicker outs and extend his game longevity, a goal he’s keen to achieve. He’s a pitcher built for durability, eyeing another 200-plus inning season.
With this strategic adjustment, Gilbert is poised to make a significant impact, and fans should watch closely as he continues to refine this approach throughout the season.